Empire: Fama e Poder

The first season of Empire was entertaining ... now it is just silly/stupid - no longer worth watching. The characters have become too extreme. Racist portrayals are disturbing. For a family that supposedly is close, there is far too much back stabbing and maneuvering - especially since they are portrayed as being hoodlum-like. One expects more character elimination and less soap opera drama. Without major improvements, I don't expect Empire to last much longer. BORING AND TEDIOUS.

This show has way TOO many try hard (catch your attention) moments. It would be a lot better if they would take their foot off the gas pedal a little. (Actually a lot) It's like watching a TV series of Jerry Springer meets Hustle & Flow on steroids. The music however is great...which sounds better than 80% of the garbage that is out at this moment. But there is so much going on, along with so many special guest appearances, it's like they're trying so hard to build it up that it's going to make it even harder to follow up throughout the next seasons afterward. Family issues, guns, drugs, thugs, FBI, corruption, backstabbing, infidelity...only thing they're missing is aliens and terrorist. Wait...the season isn't over with...maybe they'll put terrorist and aliens in the next show. Wouldn't surprise me.

Somewhat stereotypical, and certainly clichéd writing, but captivating, particularly as performed by 2 of my favorite actors, Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard, ever since seeing them in one of my favorite gritty, touching movies, Hustle & Flow.

Like that infamous film, there will be welcome music. A flashback scene in the pilot episode almost harks back to that time they worked together.

Can't help but feel personally invested in its characters, which may be biased since I so admire the work of the actors playing the roles.

"A unique family drama set in the world of a hip hop empire." Pretty sure it's the first series featuring that premise.

Enjoying so far, and anxious to watch where it goes.

In all the years I've used IMDB, I probably reviewed one or two shows or movies. Since the final season of Empire leaves us with a cliffhanger, it did hint during the final episodes what was going to happen to Lucious. Whatever remains of the plot will, in our imagination, go on without having to see it. Too bad so many low rated reviews were at the beginning of the reviews. I do not care for rap music, but I became immersed in this series because of the plot, the talent of the actors and the words of the music that related to their lives. It was easier to understand because I was involved in the characters. I'm 78 years old and a big, big fan of Classic Movies. Although I would never give this series a classic recommendation, my taste in talent and appreciation of music and good acting leaves me open to all kinds of entertainment. I was particularly sorry to see Jussie go, since he was the balance between the characters, but they made it work. This was worth my time. I know from a TV interview that Howard wants to stop being someone else and go on living a normal life. He's really a good actor and I remember him from "CRASH" and loved him in that movie.

The Good:

This show is nothing without Taraji. She steals every scene she is in (with her on fleek outfits, her low laugh, her tigress growl, etc.). I heart Hakeem - his sublime rapping, his boyish charm -- yas please If Beyonce and Rihanna had a daughter, it would be Serayah. Most of the music is superb (catchy, edgy, etc.) The cameos are priceless (sometimes it's pleasantly surprising, sometimes it's funny, at times slightly embarrassing, but always entertaining)

The Bad:

Terrence Howard rapping makes me cringe (sorry) Jamal has a great voice but it seems like he is singing the same song over and over and over (and over) again... Shut up Andre

All things considered, this show is pretty awesome =)